Tokyo, Aug 7 (IANS): The Japan Coast Guard has released two Chinese sailors held for alleged illegal fishing in the Sea of Japan, a Chinese consulate official in Japan said.
The two Chinese sailors - who were captains of two fishing trawlers - were sent back by the Coast Guard after negotiations between the consulate and the Japanese side, the official told Xinhua.
They were suspected of fishing without permission in waters off Ishikawa prefecture within Japan's exclusive economic zone, the Coast Guard said.
Each of the trawlers had 17 Chinese nationals onboard.